President Obama's 52-minute meeting with Pope Francis

President Obama met Pope Francis at the Vatican for nearly an hour Thursday amid a complex backdrop of conflict over contraception, concern for the plight of the poor, and the pontiff's emergence as a powerful persona on the world stage.

Obama arrived amid the pomp and tradition of the Catholic Church, making his way to greet the pope after a long, slow procession.

"Wonderful meeting you, I'm a great admirer," the president said to Pope Francis when the two met in the Small Throne Room of the papal residence. "Thank you sir, thank you."